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South of France Lyon to Marseille 2019

Embark on a 13 day cruise from Chalon-sur-Saône to Tarascon on the Saone & Rhone rivers. Feast on incredible cuisine and marvel at truly beautiful landscapes in the South of France.

Day

Activity

Day 1

Depart USA

Day 2

Chalon-sur-Saône

Day 3

Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus

Day 4

Tournus > Mâcon

Day 5

Mâcon

Day 6

Lyon

Day 7

Tournon

Day 8

Tournon > Viviers

Day 9

Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Day 10

Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon

Day 11

Avignon

Day 12

La Camargue

Day 13

Tarascon

Day 14

Tarascon > Marseille

Day

Activity

Day 1

Depart USA

Day 2

Chalon-sur-Saône

Day 3

Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus

Day 4

Tournus > Mâcon

Day 5

Mâcon

Day 6

Lyon

Day 7

Tournon

Day 8

Tournon > Viviers

Day 9

Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Day 10

Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon

Day 11

Avignon

Day 12

La Camargue

Day 13

Tarascon

Day 14

Tarascon > Marseille

Day

Activity / Description

Day 1

Depart USA

Depart the US on your overnight flight.

Day 2

Chalon-sur-Saône

Highlights: Welcome reception

Welcome to Chalon-sur-Saône where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Arrival transfers included from Lyon airport. Please book your flight to arrive between 10am and 3pm in Lyon.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3

Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus

Highlights: Burgundy region

Freechoice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Tournus > Mâcon

Highlights: Riverside cycling

Freechoice: Experience Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Or join the intelligent hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village to locate and sample French truffles. Enjoy leisurely cruising to Mâcon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Mâcon and meet the ship there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Mâcon

Highlights: Beaujolais wine region

You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy.Freechoice: Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or enjoy wine tasting in the celebrated Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, constructed around the great Benedictine Abbey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Lyon

Highlights: Enrich Scenic Rouge cabaret

Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of FranceFreechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare.You have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city further or visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary prowess.EnrichExperience the French extravaganza that is the can-can among other performances when you are treated to the exclusive gala spectacular, Scenic Rouge, under the big-top onshore this evening in Lyon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Tournon

Highlights: Sundowners at Tournon Castle

Cruising from Lyon, take in the picturesque riverside panoramas as you glide effortlessly toward Tournon. If you are feeling more active you have the opportunity to cycle from Andance to Tournon. On arrival, enjoy a fun lecture on the French paradox and etiquette.SundownersOverlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see, both for its historic interest and breathtaking outlook. You’ll enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Tournon > Viviers

Highlights: Chocolates and wine

Freechoice: Enjoy a unique wine tasting in the wine cave of Tournon Castle, or join a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region’s delicious varietals among the vines.Enjoy scenic cruising to Viviers this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Highlights: Ardèche National Park

Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers including an organ recital in the town’s cathedral.Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon

Highlights: Côtes du Rhône

Freechoice: Sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard or take a guided hike through the vines. Enjoy picturesque cruising to Avignon this afternoon where you’ll take a walking tour including a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Popes’ Palace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Avignon

Highlights: Enrich dinner at Popes’ Palace

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region including Gordes and l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon.EnrichBe treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Popes’ Palace of Avignon. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll enjoy an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

La Camargue

Highlights: La Camargue National Park

Choices today include the spectacular La Camargue National Park.Freechoice: Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and visit the Parc Ornithologique. Alternatively, visit the fortified Mediterranean village of Aigues-Mortes, or join a guided cycling tour to the Abbey of Saint-Roman cave monastery. Or for something more relaxed, stay on board for a Provençal soap-making workshop.This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, a Camargue gypsy band performs live on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Tarascon

Highlights: Villages of Provence

The town of Tarascon exudes a medieval charm.Freechoice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty hilltop village of Les Baux before touring a charming family-run olive farm. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

Tarascon > Marseille

Highlights: Farewell

All good things end eventually and after enjoying a great breakfast, disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Marseille or Nice Airport. Please book your flights to depart between 11am and 4pm if flying out of Marseille and after 1pm if flying out of Nice.

Meals: Breakfast

Day

Activity / Description

Day 1

Depart USA

Depart the US on your overnight flight.

Day 2

Chalon-sur-Saône

Highlights: Welcome reception

Welcome to Chalon-sur-Saône where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Arrival transfers included from Lyon airport. Please book your flight to arrive between 10am and 3pm in Lyon.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3

Chalon-sur-Saône > Tournus

Highlights: Burgundy region

Freechoice: Explore Beaune, including a visit to Les Hospices de Beaune. Alternatively, visit the estate of Château Meursault and taste some of the acclaimed wines from this premium estate located in the heart of the Burgundy region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Tournus > Mâcon

Highlights: Riverside cycling

Freechoice: Experience Château de Cormatin, boasting beautiful gardens and water features. Or join the intelligent hounds and their owners in a nearby quaint village to locate and sample French truffles. Enjoy leisurely cruising to Mâcon this afternoon, or opt for a class in French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire on board. Alternatively, cycle from Tournus to Mâcon and meet the ship there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Mâcon

Highlights: Beaujolais wine region

You’re sure to love Mâcon. Be fascinated by its history and delighted by the surrounding picturesque farming region acclaimed for its five wine appellations and gastronomy.Freechoice: Retrace the traditional life of the region on your visit to the Bresse Museum, or enjoy wine tasting in the celebrated Beaujolais region. Alternatively, visit Cluny, constructed around the great Benedictine Abbey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Lyon

Highlights: Enrich Scenic Rouge cabaret

Awake today in Lyon, the gastronomic heart of FranceFreechoice: Discover Lyon’s historic significance by traversing its hidden traboules, secret passageways dating back to the 4th century, and visit Notre Dame Basilica for views across Lyon. Alternatively, walk the cobblestone paths in the medieval hilltop town of Pérouges. Or visit the exclusive culinary school of Paul Bocuse and perfect the art of French cuisine before sampling some of the delicious fare.You have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the city further or visit Scenic Culinaire and pick up a trick or two to add to your culinary prowess.EnrichExperience the French extravaganza that is the can-can among other performances when you are treated to the exclusive gala spectacular, Scenic Rouge, under the big-top onshore this evening in Lyon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Tournon

Highlights: Sundowners at Tournon Castle

Cruising from Lyon, take in the picturesque riverside panoramas as you glide effortlessly toward Tournon. If you are feeling more active you have the opportunity to cycle from Andance to Tournon. On arrival, enjoy a fun lecture on the French paradox and etiquette.SundownersOverlooking the Rhône, Tournon Castle is a must-see, both for its historic interest and breathtaking outlook. You’ll enjoy an afternoon aperitif on the terrace of the castle accompanied by local musicians.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Tournon > Viviers

Highlights: Chocolates and wine

Freechoice: Enjoy a unique wine tasting in the wine cave of Tournon Castle, or join a guided walk of Tain l’Hermitage including a tasting at Valrhona Chocolates. You could also enjoy a group bike ride along the Rhône to neighbouring villages, or hike Heritage Hill for a tasting of the region’s delicious varietals among the vines.Enjoy scenic cruising to Viviers this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Viviers > Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Highlights: Ardèche National Park

Enjoy a walking tour of Viviers including an organ recital in the town’s cathedral.Freechoice: Explore the Ardèche National Park and immerse yourself in the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, or visit the aromatic Lavender Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can canoe through one of Europe’s largest natural canyons, or drop into the beautiful provincial town of Grignan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Châteauneuf-du-Pape > Avignon

Highlights: Côtes du Rhône

Freechoice: Sample the celebrated wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a Côtes du Rhône vineyard or take a guided hike through the vines. Enjoy picturesque cruising to Avignon this afternoon where you’ll take a walking tour including a visit to the city’s architectural jewel, the Popes’ Palace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Avignon

Highlights: Enrich dinner at Popes’ Palace

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire with your fresh ingredients. Alternatively, drop into the villages of the Luberon region including Gordes and l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, or take an excursion to Uzès and Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon at leisure this afternoon.EnrichBe treated to a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Popes’ Palace of Avignon. After the doors close to the general public, you’ll enjoy an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

La Camargue

Highlights: La Camargue National Park

Choices today include the spectacular La Camargue National Park.Freechoice: Take in the wild beauty of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and visit the Parc Ornithologique. Alternatively, visit the fortified Mediterranean village of Aigues-Mortes, or join a guided cycling tour to the Abbey of Saint-Roman cave monastery. Or for something more relaxed, stay on board for a Provençal soap-making workshop.This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck while cruising roundtrip from Tarascon towards the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, a Camargue gypsy band performs live on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Tarascon

Highlights: Villages of Provence

The town of Tarascon exudes a medieval charm.Freechoice: Explore the artistic heritage of Arles, and see the striking Arles Arena, or stop in at the pretty hilltop village of Les Baux before touring a charming family-run olive farm. Alternatively, pay a visit to Saint-Rémy and Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery where Van Gogh was held for a year.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

Tarascon > Marseille

Highlights: Farewell

All good things end eventually and after enjoying a great breakfast, disembark your Scenic Space-Ship and transfer to Marseille or Nice Airport. Please book your flights to depart between 11am and 4pm if flying out of Marseille and after 1pm if flying out of Nice.

Meals: Breakfast

Sailing the beautiful waterways of France and rebuilt for the 2017 season with brand new features such as Scenic Culinaire and two new one-bedroom Royal Owner's Suites.